SUICIDE IN PSYCHIATRIC-CARE AS SEEN BY THE SURVIVORS

Members of suicide survivor organizations are likely to have unique experiences of the psychiatric care of suicidal persons. The present study represents an attempt to provide a feedback of such experiences to the caregivers, through a collaborative research project with the Swedish organization for suicide survivors, the SPES. A questionnaire was mailed to the then 110 members of SPES, containing 25 general questions concerning their membership in the organization and their possible willingness to participate in a research project. Fifty-six per cent of the members returned the questionnaire. One year later a second questionnaire was mailed to the members, who had now increased to 150, with questions focusing on possible experiences of psychiatric care of their dead relatives. Sixty per cent answered, and two-thirds reported such experiences. Among those willing to be interviewed, we contacted 20 subjects who were judged, on the basis of their responses and comments to the questionnaires, to be representative for the group. From these, 15 subjects were selected for an interview, which was performed by a psychotherapeutically trained interviewer who is also a supporting member of the SPES. From these interviews, 13 core issues concerning psychiatric care emerged. The relatives were highly critical of several aspects of the psychiatric care organization. Although a critical attitude from a surviving relative is hardly surprising, the criticism was most often relevant and constructive and should lead to improvements in the delivery of psychiatric care to suicidal individuals.